Anthony McGrath announces retirement

— 20 February 2013

Yorkshire County Cricket Club batsman Anthony McGrath has today announced his retirement from all cricket with immediate effect, bringing to an end a superb 17-year career.

The 37-year-old, who made his first-class debut in 1995 and represented Yorkshire in 257 first-class matches and 296 List A games, has been forced to retire due to a thumb injury sustained last season.

As a batsman, he scored 35 centuries in first-class cricket including a highest score of 211 against Warwickshire at Edgbaston in 2009. The Bradford-born right-hander, who also took 134 first-class wickets at an average of 35, also represented England in four Tests and 14 one-day internationals.

Commenting on his retirement, Anthony McGrath, said:

“It has been an honour and a privilege to have represented Yorkshire throughout my professional career.

“I have been involved with this great Club every summer since I was 12 and it is going to be difficult not having the opportunity to play again.

“I would like to thank the club, the Members and the all the coaches for their help throughout my career. Above all else, my last word goes to my team-mates, who I have shared the greatest of times with over the past 20 years. I have met some great people that have become my closest of friends.”

“Anthony McGrath has been a great servant to Yorkshire County Cricket Club. It has been a privilege to play with and coach Anthony. He has given every ounce of blood, sweat and tears to the county and his role within the dressing room will be sadly missed.

“He is the perfect role model for any aspiring junior wanting to be the best they can be. The way he inspires those around him is his distinct quality. I would like to wish him well in the future and hope that he will continue his connection to the Club through his coach education qualifications and programme.”

Yorkshire’s Executive Chairman, Colin Graves, added:

“On behalf of Yorkshire County Cricket Club, I’d like to thank Anthony for his magnificent contribution not only to Yorkshire but to the game of cricket as a whole.

“He has represented the County with honour and distinction and will be regarded as one of the Club’s most respected professionals in the last 25 years.

“Anthony was a wonderful ambassador for Yorkshire cricket off the field as well as on it. I wish him every success in the future and hope that he continues to take more than a passing interest in the fortunes of the Club.”

Andrew Gale, YCCC’s first team captain, said:

“I count Anthony as a good friend as well as a team-mate and I know what a tough decision this will have been for him as he took so much pleasure and pride in representing Yorkshire.

“I learned a great deal from playing alongside Mags (Anthony McGrath). He was a great player, who had the ability to score important innings at crucial times in matches.

“The biggest thing I will miss will be his presence in the dressing room. He was a great pro, who had an infectious personality that always brought the best out of the other players in the team.

“He will be missed by everyone connected with the team and we wish him every success in his future career.”

Click here to see the video of Anthony McGrath’s memories and thoughts on his future.